FTA CIG Updates: Impact on US Rail Infrastructure

Introduction

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Marc Molinaro announced proposed updated guidelines that remove the “social cost of carbon” calculation from the Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program’s rating criteria.

Background on CIG Program

The CIG program is the federal government’s largest discretionary grant program. It funds transit capital investments, including heavy rail, commuter rail, light rail, streetcars, and bus rapid transit.

Changes to Grant Evaluation

The proposed actions aim to remove unnecessary regulatory requirements to best support locally driven transit projects.

Specific Guideline Revisions

The proposed changes involve removing the social cost of carbon calculation from the environmental benefits section of the CIG policy guidance.

Alternative Assessment Methodology

Instead, the agency will revert to a methodology based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards designation, determined by the transit project’s location.

Conclusion

The FTA is proposing revisions to the CIG program guidelines, specifically removing the “social cost of carbon” calculation and reverting to a methodology based on the EPA’s air quality standards.

Company Summary

Federal Transit Administration (FTA): The FTA is a federal agency.